45 brilliant things to do in London with teenagers in 2023 – and some of them are FREE

There's an amazing FREE outdoor art show in London every autumn, and this year it's better than ever! Curated by Fatoş Üstek for the first time, Frieze Sculpture trail is in The Regent's Park and features new work by Ayşe Erkmen, Ghada Amer and Hank Willis Thomas, plus 18 other artists. Find it in the English Gardens at the southern end of the park this October half term. Teenagers will surely find something to love in the wide range of artwork on show. Pick a sunny day; the photos'll be great for the 'gram.
When: Until 29 Oct 23
Where: The Regent's Park, London
**FREE**

• Looking for more days out ideas for October half term? Find out more here

The Walt Disney Archives has opened its vault of treasures, showcasing hundreds of extraordinary objects, including many of Disney's 'Crown Jewels' – more than 250 rarely-seen artefacts and works of art, costumes and props, and other incredible memorabilia. Ten imaginatively themed galleries showcasing renowned classics from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) to Encanto (2021), including the latest members of the Disney family – Pixar, Star Wars and MARVEL! Don't miss this brilliant, teen-friendly exhibition, which offers you and your older kids the chance to celebrate your love of Disney's most timeless stories.
When: 13 Oct 23-22 Jan 24
Where: ExCeL London, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, London E16 1XL

Head to Young V&A in London to see the new museum's first exhibition since it opening in spring 2023. Japan; Myths to Manga will take you on an exciting and atmospheric trip through Japanese history – where you can explore how landscape and folklore have influenced Japan's culture, technology and design.
When: 14 Oct 23-11 Aug 24
Where: Young V&A, Cambridge Heath Road, Bethnal Green, London E2 9PA

• Read our honest review of the new Young V&A museum in London

Tucked between Knightsbridge andBuckingham Palace, the neighbourhood of Belgravia is launching a free, spook-tacular Pumpkin Trail, with stunning floral installations, as well as a series of unmissable Halloween events. Don’t miss free ghost tours of the area’s haunted history, Halloween treats from standout bakeries such as Bayley & Sage, and a pumpkin carving competition!
When: 23-31 Oct 23
Where: Pumpkin Trail, Knightsbridge, London
**FREE**

• Looking for Halloween recommendations? Here's our pick of the best Halloween days out this autumn

Go hunting for Horcruxes one more time: part one of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows in Concert is coming to the Royal Albert Hall this autumn. Join the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra and the English Chamber Choir performing Alexandre Desplat's epic score as the 7th Harry Potter film is projected onto a giant screen. Join all your favourite characters – and not-so-favourite ones! – as they encounter familiar dangers, new threats, and powerful friendships.
When: 3-4 Nov 23, 1.30pm and 7.30pm
Where: Royal Albert Hall, Kensington Gore, South Kensington, London SW7 2AP

• Love live music? Here a list of the best live music concerts for kids in the UK

If your teen loves animation, film making or visual storytelling, they'll love this spectacular exhibition that celebrates Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers at the Cartoon Museum. See behind-the-screen shots showing the artists and studio as the film was made, set pieces and models seen for the first time in London, and plenty of surviving original artwork.
When: Until 16 Apr 24
Where: Wallace & Gromit: The Wrong Trousers turns 30!,The Cartoon Museum, 63 Wells Street, London W1T 3PZ

When it comes to things to do in London with teens, there’s nothing like taking a trip inside the iconic Battersea Power Station in South London, and zoom up 109 metres to the top of the north-west chimney, where you can take in a stunning 360-degree view of London's skyline. Once you've taken enough selfies, you and your teens can mooch around the high end fashion brands on Electric Boulevard and grab some food from one of the many outlets in the area.
Where: Lift 109, Battersea Power Station, Circus Rd W, Nine Elms, London SW8 5BN

If your teen loves BBC nature shows like Blue Planet, take their passion to the next level at the immersive new BBC Earth Experience in Earls Court. Explore the wonders of planet Earth on a microscopic scale in the Micro Life room; then enjoy spectacular drone footage on the Vista Stage. Head below the waves in the Water Life room; but you might want to look out for creepy crawlies as you travel further around the show!
When: Until Jan 24
Where: BBC Earth Experience, The Daikin Centre, Earl's Court, Empress Place, London SW6 1TT

Sweep your teens off their feet with a trip across the Thames in the IFS Cloud Cable Car. Take in gorgeous aerial views of London's skyline, as you travel from the Greenwich Peninsula to the Royal Docks. Combine the trip with some shopping at The O2 or at Greenwich Market; or if your teen's into politics, check out City Hall, the headquarters of the Mayor of London, and the London Assembly.
Where: IFS Cloud Cable Car, 27 Western Gateway, London E16 1FA

The ever-brilliant Unicorn Theatre in Southwark produces age-appropriate theatre for all ages – including those aged 13 and over. So while your teenager might have seen kid-friendly shows at this venue in the past, book a 13+ performance, and they can be sure they'll be in an audience of similarly aged teens seeing powerful shows aimed directly at their age group.
Where: Unicorn Theatre, 147 Tooley Street, London SE1 2HZ

There's so much on offer for teenagers at the Barbican, you're sure to find something that will suit your growing adolescents. The Young Barbican scheme gives 14–25 year olds discounted access to unmissable art and entertainment: Young Barbican members can get tickets to art, film, music, theatre and dance shows for only £5, £10 or £15. From electronic artists pushing musical boundaries, to the best in international theatre and major fashion, design and photography exhibitions, there's sure to be something to fire your teens' imaginations.
Where: Barbican Centre, Silk Street, Barbican, London EC2Y 8DS

See the sights of London from a different angle with a trip on a Thames speedboat! Experience the world famous sights of the capital with a Thames Rockets RIB experience. Choose from a 50-minute or an 80-minute tour, depending on your teen's attention span.
Where: Thames Rockets, Boarding Gate One, London Eye Millennium Pier - London Bridge Pier, London SE1 7PB

Want some things to do in London with teens who love cinema? Choose from two funky venues, the Bussey Building in Peckham, or Roof East in Stratford, and take your teen to see a film under the stars at London's Rooftop Film Club. The films shown include both classic, cult and current releases, perfect for teens with a range of tastes.
Where: Bussey Building, Peckham, or Roof East, Stratford

Divorced, beheaded, and now live! Boost your teen's love of history with a trip to this 80-minute concert-musical extravaganza boasting 'Tudor Queens turned Pop Princesses'. One for the older kids, Six The Musical comes with a 10+ age recommendation, so is great for teens looking for a more grown-up West End musical.
When: Booking until Apr 24
Where: Vaudeville Theatre, 404 Strand, London WC2R 0NH

• Love musicals? Here's our recommendations for the best musicals for kids

If you’re looking for things to do in London with teens, consider bringing them somewhere Instagrammable! And you can’t go wrong with a trip to Gods Own Junkyard in Walthamstow. A wonderland of old, discarded and occasionally very famous neon signs, Gods Own Junkyard is also an art gallery and neon museum, with a café and shop inside. Definitely one for the 'coolest London spaces' list.
When: Open weekends: Fri, 11am-10pm; Sat, 11am-10pm; Sun, 11am-6pm
Where: Gods Own Junkyard, Unit 12, Ravenswood Industrial Estate, Shernhall Street, London E17 9HQ

Visit the most famous cricket ground in the world and take your cricket-loving teens behind the scenes at 'The Home of Cricket'. Join an expert guide who will lead you through iconic parts of Lord's Cricked ground including the Grade II*-listed Victorian Pavilion, the world-famous Long Room, the Players’ Dressing Rooms, the dramatic J.P. Morgan Media Centre, and the MCC Museum, home of the Ashes Urn – cricket’s best-known artefact.
Where: Lord's Cricket Ground, St John's Wood Road, London NW8 8QN

Take a tour where being glued to your phone won't mean you're missing the best bits! This Wembley Stadium tour uses a state-of-the-art multimedia guide on your smartphone to create a really immersive tour of Wembley Stadium with a guide and a ton of digital extras. Walk where your teen's heroes have played, performed and celebrated, and take in the atmosphere of one of the most famous stadiums in the world. You'll see the player’s tunnel and the pitch, the dressing rooms, and get a look inside the Royal Box.
Where: Wembley Stadium, London HA9 0WS

Guided tours of Twickenham Stadium are the ultimate experience for any teenage rugby fan. Follow an expert tour guide around the most exciting and historic areas of Twickenham stadium, including the Royal Box, players' tunnel, pitch-side and the England Dressing Room. Then head to the World Rugby Museum where your teen can put their skills to the test in the Play Rugby Interactive Zone, featuring a scrum machine, line-out jump test, kicking machine and much more.
Where: Twickenham Stadium, 200 Whitton Road, Twickenham TW2 7BA

Looking for things to do in London with teens that involve a little more physicality? They might just love the 2-3 hour Treetop Challenge at Go Ape in Alexandra Palace Park! It's a demanding and daring high ropes course; your teen will need focus to gain the unique sense of accomplishment you get from trying something brand new. Plus, they'll love that adrenaline rush rising as they shoot between the different treetop platforms!
Where: Go Ape, Alexandra Palace, Alexandra Palace Way, London N22 7AY

There's bound to be something to catch your teen's eye at Portobello Road Market, the world's largest antiques market with more than 1,000 dealers selling every kind of antique and collectible. Start early on a Saturday to avoid the biggest crowds, and see the talented and bizarre street performers who frequent the area. Fashionistas might enjoy searching through the vintage fashion finds on a Sunday too.
Where: Portobello Road Market, Portobello Road, London W10 5TY

Take your teen to witness a real-life courtroom drama at the Old Bailey in Central London. Strictly for teens aged 14 and over - and you have to think about wearing 'appropriate' clothing - visits to the Old Bailey are free, and almost always fascinating. You'll only have access to the public galleries to view trials; watching from the public gallery is a bit like sitting in the balcony seats of a small theatre. But any drama witnessed here is far from fictional. It’s definitely one of the most interesting London experiences for teenagers with a taste for history!
Where: Old Bailey, London EC4M 7EH

Take a brilliant comedy-horror tour around the city with your teens, all on board a repurposed Routemaster bus. Let by professional actors with guaranteed top London sightseeing plus comedy scares, teens who are into gothic horror will love the classic 1960’s Routemaster bus, lovingly restored in a midnight-black livery and finished with antique lamps and plush red velvet curtains.
When: Everyday, tours last 1hr 15min
Where: Departing from 8 Northumberland Avenue daily, outside the Grand Hotel, opposite the Sherlock Holmes Pub

Take your teen below the streets of London for an exclusive underground walk along the 100-year-old Mail Rail tunnels. Everyone on the tour will be over the age of 12, and for safety reasons, will need to wear a hard hat and high vis jacket. Teens who love history, architecture, technology and more are sure to find exploring the secret tunnels, tracks and platforms of the Mail Rail pretty awe-inspiring.
When: select dates until 19 Dec 23
Where: Postal Museum, 15-20 Phoenix Place, London WC1X 0DA

There's no shortage of things to do in London with teens who love art and technology. In particular, they will love the remarkable art exhibition by the always-brilliant David Hockney at Lightroom in London. Lightroom's vast walls and revolutionary sound system have been used to create an art show dedicated to Hockney's 60-year long career. You'll hear Hockney explain his processes at the same time as witnessing him him experimenting with perspective, capturing the passing of time in his polaroids and the joy of spring on his iPad. This show pushes the possibilities of new media, and invites you to look more closely, more truly and more joyously at the world around you.
When: Until 3 Dec 23
Where: Lightroom, 12 Lewis Cubitt Square, London N1C 4DY

Does your teenager want to see the latest cinema releases for just £3? Of course they do! Join the BFI 25 & Under scheme (for over 16s) and you can do just that, plus enjoy events and amazing film industry opportunities for 16-25 year olds. At the BFI Southbank, there are four screens open seven days a week; the BFI IMAX is the country's largest cinema screen, perfect for teens who just want things louder, bigger and better!
Where: BFI Southbank, Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XT; BFI IMAX, 1 Charlie Chaplin Walk, South Bank SE1 8XR

Eight former railway arches beneath Waterloo station, adjoining London's longest legal graffiti wall, are a brilliant place to visit with your London-loving teen. Look out for London's very best board games cafe; wonderful independent restaurants and bars; and the chance to leave your mark on London's largest legal graffiti wall and enjoy one of the best urban galleries in the world.
Where: Leake Street Arches, Leake Street, London

Teens aged between 16 and 25 years old can now pay £5 (for 16-18yos) and £10 (for 19-25yos) for shows at the Olivier, Lyttelton and Dorfman theatres. There are also discounted ticket options for a range of Learning talks and courses at the theatre.
Where: National Theatre, Upper Ground, South Bank, London SE1 9PX

The Crystal Maze LIVE Experience is 75 minutes of frantic, frenetic, silly team fun that’s open to those everybody aged 9 and over. Run around four different zones – Industrial, Futuristic, Medieval and Aztec – testing your skills, solving mysteries and facing mental and physical challenges. The more challenges you complete successfully, the more crystals you win and the more time you'll have for the final test in … drumroll… the Crystal Dome...!
When: Tues-Sun
Where: Crystal Maze LIVE, 22-32 Shaftesbury Avenue, London W1D 7EU

Give your teen a new perspective on an old favourite by climbing the rigging at Cutty Sark! One of the best things to do in London with teens who love climbing walls, high ropes challenges and messing around on zipwires, the Cutty Sark Rib Climb experience will give you a sailor's eye view as you sample what thousands of mariners did daily during Cutty Sark’s long and fabled career at sea.
Where: Cutty Sark, King William Walk, Greenwich SE10 9NF

Want to try white water rafting? In London? Of course you can. Head to Lee Valley White Water Centre and you and your teenager can not only ride the rollercoaster of the Olympic-standard white water course; you can also try canoeing, kayaking, hydrospeeding, paddle boarding and even take on the Water Wipeout obstacle course.
Where: Lee Valley White Water Centre, Station Road, Waltham Cross EN9 1AB

When it comes to macabre things to do in London with teens, you can’t do much better than a trip back in time at the atmospheric Old Operating Theatre museum in London Bridge. Climb the stairs to the preserved attic of the early 18th-century church of the old St Thomas’ Hospital, where you can see (and smell!) the remarkable, original timber-framed Herb Garret where herbs for patients' medicines were once stored. Then take your place in the 'audience' in Europe's oldest surviving Operating Theatre, a fascinating place for anyone interested in history, medicine, or the (more) gruesome history of medicine...
When: Thurs-Sun from 10.30am until 5pm
Where: Old Operating Theatre Museum and Herb Garret, 9a St Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY

Can you see colours that aren’t there? Do you always know which way is up? Can a corridor go on forever? Test your teen's perceptions at London's mind-altering, immersive home of illusions. Twist Museum on Oxford Street is full of fun, interactive exhibits that play with how you understand the world around you. It’s reality, with a twist.
Where: Twist Museum, 248 Oxford Street, London W1C 1DH

If you’re eyeing things to do in London with teens who love to skate, this is the place to take them. London's most famous skate park offers three main sections: a bowl, a street section and a beginner section, with a lot of space designated for each theme and in between. The friendly staff make this a brilliant place for teens of all abilities, whether they want to skateboard, BMX, inline, or scoot. Look out for the Girls' Only sessions if that would suit your kid.
Where: BaySixty6, Bay, 66 Acklam Rd, London W10 5YU

Does your teen dream of rockstar glory? Make those dreams come true at WeJam in Camden, a step up from Karaoke or Escape Room experiences where you can create your own rock band. Your older kids will love using real instruments alongside other technology to perform some classic hits from across the ages. You can even record your performances and compete with other friends for a high score. Wigs and rock power poses at the ready!
Where: WeJam - The Immersive Rockstar Experience, 23 Chalk Farm Road, Chalk Farm, London NW1 8AG

Crazy golf-loving teens will love celebrating all things London at Plonk Borough Market. A crew of London's hottest muralists and street artists have created a 360° gallery on the walls, ceiling and floors in the arches underneath London Bridge and Borough High Street. This awesome street art wraps around a 9-hole golf course, showcasing some of London’s most famous monuments. Tackle a big red phone box ramp, roll around a Thames barrier wave, jump into the Tower of London and swoosh around the London Eye loop on this unique crazy golf course.
Where: Plonk Crazy Golf – Borough Market, Arches B, C, D & E, Montague Close, London SE1 9DA

• There are also Plonk Crazy Golf courses in Shoreditch, Camden and Hackney.

Head to the OG pop-up shipping container shopping mall at Boxpark in Shoreditch. Grab a bubble tea; check out unique vintage clothing; browse sustainable designer brands; enjoy samples at the Arch Brow Bar; and sample vegan wings, dirty burgers, pasta, dumplings, frozen yoghurt and more...
Where: Boxpark Shoreditch, 2-10 Bethnal Green Road, London E1 6GY

Join the more than 3.5 million visitors a year who take a trip on the London Eye on the south bank of the Thames, the world's fourth largest ferris wheel. Teens will love the chance to take selfies and spot famous landmarks below like Buckingham Palace, Wembley Stadium and the Tower of London.
Where: London Eye, Riverside Building, County Hall, London SE1 7PB

See famous music, sports and film stars up close at Madame Tussauds London. Teenagers will love 'meeting' John Boyega, Mo Salah, and Zendaya at the Awards Party zone. Take a trip through time and discover the capital's history on the Spirit of London ride. Then step into the Chamber of Horrors and discover London's darkest crimes...
Where: Madame Tussauds, Marylebone Road, London NW1 5LR

The London Dungeon brings together an amazing cast of theatrical actors, special effects, stages, scenes and rides, perfect for entertaining the teenagers in your life. Visit, and you'll be treated to 19 interactive shows with 20 live actors, state of the art special effects, two thrilling underground rides and lots of laughs (and screams...!)
Where: London Dungeon, Riverside Building, County Hall, Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7PB

Take your teen for an exhilarating outdoor climb over the roof of The O2 in Greenwich, and enjoy incredible views of London. You can choose from daytime, sunset and twilight climbs, which could be perfect if your teen's routine is currently closer to nocturnal than diurnal! You can spot the Olympic Park, Canary Wharf and historic Greenwich from the top.
Where: Up At The O2, Peninsula Square, London SE10 0DX

Immerse your teens in a hands-on gaming experience at the Science Museum. Power Up! features the very best video games and consoles from the past 50 years. From Pong to Pacman and Minecraft to Mario, there’s something for all teens, whether they're a retro games fan, a serious gamer or just want to beat their 'rents at Mario Kart. Play against friends in multiplayer showdowns, rediscover childhood favourites and test out some of the latest next-gen virtual reality experiences in this ultimate interactive gaming experience.  
Where: Science Museum, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London SW7 2DD

While much of the collection at the National Portrait Gallery is free to view for everyone, there's a special offer for teens interested in seeing the paid-for exhibitions at the newly renovated gallery in Central London. There are £5 tickets available to all visitors aged 30 and under, 7 days a week for the gallery's special exhibitions. Perfect for inspiring teens who love photography, portraiture, celebrities and more
Where: National Portrait Gallery, St. Martin's Place, London WC2H 0HE

A great one for teens looking for something different. Take to the water around London's Olympic Park in a swan pedalo. Opening times are 12 noon to 5pm (perfect timing for morning-averse teenagers!) The Pedalos can be found at Stratford Waterfront Pontoon next to the London Aquatics Centre. You don't need to book; you can just rock up. It's a fiver for under 16s, and £9 for everyone else.
When: weekends and bank holidays until the end of Oct 23
Where: Swan Pedalos are in the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park, London

Sessions for teenagers at the Mile End Climbing Wall are full of climbing activities and games led by friendly, highly qualified instructors. Your teens can try ropes, or bouldering, or sometimes both in the same session! Perfect for teenagers ages up to 17 who want to climb without joining a longer structured course. Grown-ups can relax on-site while your teenagers climb – there's coffee, snacks and seating both inside and out.
Where: Mile End Climbing Wall, Haverfield Road, London E3 5BE

• Looking for more climbing walls that work for teenagers? Here's a round-up of the UK's best climbing centres

If you're 5-15 years old, you can get 2 FREE opera tickets with each full-paying adult for all productions from the English National Opera. You just need to register and you'll get an email with that special discount code. Older teens aged between 16 and 20 can get one free opera ticket per production for all ENO shows.
Where: ENO, London Coliseum, St Martin's Lane, London WC2N 4ES
**FREE**